Joshua 17:2

KJV

There was also [a lot] for the rest of the children of Manasseh by their families; for the children of Abiezer, and for the children of Helek, and for the children of Asriel, and for the children of Shechem, and for the children of Hepher, and for the children of Shemida: these [were] the male children of Manasseh the son of Joseph by their families.

KJV (with Strong's)

There was also a lot for the rest {H3498} of the children {H1121} of Manasseh {H4519} by their families {H4940}; for the children {H1121} of Abiezer {H44}, and for the children {H1121} of Helek {H2507}, and for the children {H1121} of Asriel {H844}, and for the children {H1121} of Shechem {H7928}, and for the children {H1121} of Hepher {H2660}, and for the children {H1121} of Shemida {H8061}: these were the male {H2145} children {H1121} of Manasseh {H4519} the son {H1121} of Joseph {H3130} by their families {H4940}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So the lot was drawn for the other descendants of M'nasheh according to their families - for the descendants of Avi'ezer, Helek, Asri'el, Sh'khem, Hefer and Sh'mida; these were the male descendants of M'nasheh according to their families.

Berean Standard Bible

So this allotment was for the rest of the descendants of Manasseh—the clans of Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida. These are the other male descendants of the clans of Manasseh son of Joseph.

American Standard Version

So the lot was for the rest of the children of Manasseh according to their families: for the children of Abiezer, and for the children of Helek, and for the children of Asriel, and for the children of Shechem, and for the children of Hepher, and for the children of Shemida: these were the male children of Manasseh the son of Joseph according to their families.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 17:2 meticulously details the allocation of land inheritance to the western half-tribe of Manasseh, specifically listing the six major male clans who received their portions in the Promised Land. This verse underscores the precise and family-oriented method of land distribution, highlighting God's faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises to Israel by providing each ancestral unit with its designated territory in Canaan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 17:2 is situated within the extensive narrative of the division of the Promised Land among the Israelite tribes, which spans from [Joshua 13](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Division of the Land East of Jordan") to [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Cities for the Levites"). Specifically, this verse follows the description of Ephraim's inheritance and introduces the details for Manasseh's portion west of the Jordan. While the eastern half of Manasseh had already received its land (as noted in [Joshua 13:29-31](/joshua/13-29 "Joshua 13:29-31 - Manasseh's Inheritance East of Jordan")), chapter 17 focuses on the western half-tribe, detailing not only the male clans but also the unique case of the daughters of Zelophehad (Joshua 17:3-6), who sought and received their inheritance. This verse thus serves as the foundational enumeration of the male lines through which the western Manassite territory was apportioned.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The division of land was a monumental event in ancient Israel, marking the transition from nomadic conquest to settled agrarian life. Land was not merely an economic asset but a theological inheritance, a fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")). The distribution "by their families" (clans) reflects the patriarchal and tribal structure of Israelite society, where lineage was paramount for identity, inheritance, and social order. The use of "lot" (implied in the KJV's bracketed text and confirmed elsewhere in Joshua, e.g., [Joshua 18:10](/joshua/18-10 "Joshua 18:10 - Joshua Casts Lots")) indicated divine guidance in the allocation, ensuring that the distribution was seen as God's will rather than human preference or power. This meticulous process aimed to establish stable tribal boundaries and prevent future disputes, laying the groundwork for the nation's long-term existence.

* **Key Themes:** The detailed enumeration of clans and their allotted portions in Joshua 17:2 contributes to several key themes within the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it powerfully demonstrates the **Fulfillment of God's Promise** to His people, showing His faithfulness in bringing to pass the ancient covenant concerning the land of Canaan. Every family received its rightful inheritance, proving God's meticulous care. Secondly, the phrase "by their families" underscores the theme of **Divine Order and Equity** in God's administration; the land was not haphazardly distributed but systematically and justly apportioned to each ancestral line, establishing stability and preventing future disputes. This systematic approach is also evident in the census records of [Numbers 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - Census and Land Distribution Principles"), which served as the basis for this distribution. Thirdly, the focus on specific "male children of Manasseh" highlights the **Importance of Family Lineage and Inheritance** in Israelite society, where identity, social standing, and economic viability were inextricably linked to one's inherited land and ancestral ties.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **מִשְׁפְּחֹתָם (mišpāḥōṯām, "by their families" / "clans"):** This Hebrew term refers to the extended family units or clans that formed the subdivisions of a tribe. Its repetition in this verse emphasizes that the land was not merely given to the tribe of Manasseh as a whole, but precisely divided among its constituent ancestral groups. This ensured that the inheritance would be passed down through specific lineages, maintaining the integrity of each family's claim and heritage within the larger tribal framework. The concept of "family" here is broader than the nuclear family, encompassing a patriarchal lineage.
* **בְּנֵי מְנַשֶּׁה (bənê mənashsheh, "children of Manasseh"):** This phrase refers to the descendants of Manasseh, Joseph's elder son. The specific naming of the six clans (Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida) indicates that these were the recognized, prominent male lines through which the inheritance was distributed. This highlights the patriarchal nature of Israelite society, where land rights and identity were primarily traced through the male line, a principle that makes the subsequent account of Zelophehad's daughters (Joshua 17:3-6) all the more significant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There was also [a lot] for the rest of the children of Manasseh by their families;":** This initial clause sets the stage, indicating that this portion of land was designated for the western half of the tribe of Manasseh, distinguishing them from their tribal brethren who had already settled east of the Jordan. The KJV's bracketed "[a lot]" correctly infers the method of distribution, which, throughout Joshua, was determined by casting lots, signifying divine direction and impartiality in the allocation of territory. The phrase "by their families" immediately establishes the fundamental unit of this distribution: not individuals or the tribe as a whole, but the recognized ancestral clans.
* **"for the children of Abiezer, and for the children of Helek, and for the children of Asriel, and for the children of Shechem, and for the children of Hepher, and for the children of Shemida:":** This is a precise enumeration of the six major clans of Manasseh that were to receive land in the western territory. These names correspond to the descendants of Manasseh's son Machir and grandson Gilead, as detailed in the census of [Numbers 26:29-34](/numbers/26-29 "Numbers 26:29-34 - Manasseh's Clans in the Census"). The specific listing of each clan underscores the meticulous nature of the land division and God's attention to detail in fulfilling His promises to each family unit within the larger tribal structure.
* **"these [were] the male children of Manasseh the son of Joseph by their families.":** This concluding statement serves as a summary and reiteration, reinforcing that the preceding list comprises the primary male lines of Manasseh through whom the inheritance was secured. It emphasizes the patriarchal basis of the land tenure system and the importance of family and lineage in the Israelite understanding of identity and possession. The reference to Manasseh as "the son of Joseph" further connects this specific inheritance back to the broader patriarchal narratives and God's promises to the descendants of Jacob.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 17:2 employs several literary devices to convey its message with clarity and emphasis. The most prominent is **Enumeration** or **Cataloging**, seen in the precise listing of the six clans: Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida. This detailed roster serves to underscore the meticulousness and divine order of the land distribution, leaving no doubt as to who received their inheritance. Furthermore, **Repetition** is effectively used with the phrase "by their families," which appears twice in the verse. This repetition serves to highlight the fundamental principle governing the land allocation: it was not a general tribal grant but a specific, lineage-based division, ensuring equity and adherence to ancestral rights. Finally, the overall **Precision** and **Specificity** of the language, particularly in naming each clan, functions as a literary device to convey the certainty and fulfillment of God's promises, demonstrating that every detail of His covenant with Israel was being faithfully executed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 17:2, with its meticulous detailing of tribal inheritance, serves as a powerful testament to God's character and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. The precise allocation of land to each family unit of Manasseh reflects God's divine order, justice, and faithfulness, demonstrating that He is a God who remembers His word and meticulously fulfills every detail. This physical inheritance in the Promised Land, secured through divine guidance (the lot) and human administration, foreshadows a greater spiritual inheritance. Just as each clan had a specific, divinely appointed place and portion, so too does God have a unique plan and spiritual inheritance for each believer, ensuring our place within His eternal kingdom.

* [Numbers 26:29-34](/numbers/26-29 "Numbers 26:29-34 - Manasseh's Clans in the Census")
* [Ezekiel 47:13-14](/ezekiel/47-13 "Ezekiel 47:13-14 - Future Land Distribution")
* [Acts 17:26](/acts/17-26 "Acts 17:26 - God's Ordained Boundaries")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient account of land distribution in Joshua 17:2, while seemingly mundane, offers profound principles for contemporary believers. It reminds us of God's meticulous care, His unwavering faithfulness, and His commitment to fulfilling His promises to His people. Just as each family of Manasseh had a specific, divinely appointed place and portion in the Promised Land, so too does God have a unique plan and spiritual inheritance for each believer today. We are called into a spiritual family, the body of Christ, and each member has a distinct role, purpose, and spiritual endowment within God's kingdom. This verse encourages us to trust in God's ordered provision, to find our identity not in earthly possessions but in our spiritual heritage in Christ, and to value the unique place He has prepared for us. It invites us to rest in the assurance that the God who meticulously divided land for His ancient people is the same God who sovereignly orchestrates the details of our lives, ensuring our ultimate spiritual inheritance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of land distribution in Joshua 17:2 affirm God's faithfulness in your own life?**
* **In what ways does understanding your spiritual "inheritance" in Christ provide security and purpose, even amidst earthly uncertainties?**
* **How can you apply the principle of God's ordered provision to areas of uncertainty or waiting in your life, trusting in His perfect timing and plan?**

### FAQ
**Why is the distribution "by families" so important?**

Answer: The distribution "by families" (clans) was crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it ensured equity and fairness, as the land was apportioned based on the size and needs of each established ancestral unit, preventing disputes and ensuring stability. Secondly, it preserved the lineage and tribal identity, reinforcing the patriarchal structure of Israelite society where identity and inheritance were inextricably linked to one's family line. Thirdly, it reflected God's ordered nature and His covenant faithfulness, as the land was promised to specific descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This method ensured that God's promises were fulfilled to the specific, identifiable groups within Israel, establishing their permanent claim to the land.

**What does "the rest of the children of Manasseh" mean?**

Answer: "The rest of the children of Manasseh" refers specifically to the western half-tribe of Manasseh. The tribe of Manasseh, along with Reuben and Gad, had a unique arrangement where a significant portion of their tribe had already settled on the east side of the Jordan River before the main conquest of Canaan. This earlier allocation is detailed in [Joshua 13:29-31](/joshua/13-29 "Joshua 13:29-31 - Manasseh's Inheritance East of Jordan"). Therefore, Joshua 17:2 focuses on the remaining clans of Manasseh who were to receive their inheritance on the west side of the Jordan, within the main body of the Promised Land.

**Are these the only clans of Manasseh?**

Answer: The six clans listed in Joshua 17:2 (Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida) are the primary male clans recognized for receiving inheritance in the western territory. These clans are descendants of Machir, Manasseh's only son, and Machir's son Gilead. A more comprehensive list of Manasseh's clans, including Machir and Gilead, is found in the census records of [Numbers 26:29-34](/numbers/26-29 "Numbers 26:29-34 - Manasseh's Clans"). The specific listing here highlights those prominent lines that were directly allocated land in the west.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous land distribution to the clans of Manasseh in Joshua 17:2, a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient promises, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The physical inheritance of land in Canaan, though significant, was but a shadow of the spiritual inheritance secured for believers in the New Covenant. Just as the sons of Manasseh received their designated "lot" by God's decree, so too are believers, through faith in Christ, granted an imperishable, undefiled, and unfading inheritance reserved in heaven ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Inheritance Imperishable")). Jesus is the ultimate "Promised Land," the one in whom all of God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Through His atoning sacrifice, He has become the mediator of a new covenant, enabling us to receive the promised eternal inheritance ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, the Mediator of a New Covenant")). Our identity and belonging are no longer defined by earthly lineage or territorial claims, but by our adoption as sons and daughters in Christ ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")), making us co-heirs with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). The meticulous care God showed in allocating land to each family of Manasseh pales in comparison to the divine wisdom and love with which He has prepared an eternal dwelling and a spiritual inheritance for every believer, ensuring our place in His kingdom through the redemptive work of the Lamb of God ([Revelation 21:7](/revelation/21-7 "Revelation 21:7 - He Who Overcomes Inherits All Things")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 7:18

And his sister Hammoleketh bare Ishod, and Abiezer, and Mahalah.

Numbers 26:29

Of the sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites: and Machir begat Gilead: of Gilead [come] the family of the Gileadites.

Numbers 26:32

And [of] Shemida, the family of the Shemidaites: and [of] Hepher, the family of the Hepherites.

Judges 6:11

¶ And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which [was] in Ophrah, that [pertained] unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide [it] from the Midianites.

Judges 8:2

And he said unto them, What have I done now in comparison of you? [Is] not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer?